Korean War vet buried 62 years after death

Oct. 9, 2012 - 12:39PM
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Last Updated: Oct. 9, 2012 - 12:39PM |

APPLETON, Wis. — A soldier from Appleton has been buried with full military honors more than 60 years after his death.

Private 1st Class Arthur Hopfensperger died in the Korean War in 1950 when he was 18. His remains were uncovered by an MIA command that helps the Defense Department look for missing soldiers. The command excavated a battle area where Hopfensperger was killed in North Korea. Family members provided DNA to match his remains.

His cousin, also Arthur Hopfensperger, tells WLUK-TV the family is relieved that he's finally back home where he belongs. As family and friends gathered to say good bye, so did servicemen and -women and veterans from all branches of the military.